Personal sports writing archive of Blake Murphy.

How the NBA hiatus and potential lost season affects each Raptors player

Title: How the NBA hiatus and potential lost season affects each Raptors playerDate: March 21, 2020Original Source:The AthleticSynopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I looked at the unique ways the NBA hiatus will affect each Raptor.

The Toronto Raptors’ attempt to defend their NBA championship is on pause for the time being.

That, more than anything, is the immediate on-court fallout of the NBA’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 crisis. At a more granular level, statistics are not being accrued, contract escalators are up in the air, workouts are on hold and the 2020 free agent market is an enormous question mark. There are so many unknowns beyond just a return to play that it can’t be easy for anyone right now.

This is affecting every player in the same way — the loss of a passion and an outlet and a profession — and in ways unique to each of them as well. What follows is a look at what impact this hiatus (or a lost season) could have on each Raptor, from those with the most on the line to those who may be able to come out the other side on something close to neutral footing.